Estelle and Zane were interrupted from their task as a booming voice filled the sky. "MORTALS AND DEMIGODS. WE HAVE DECIDED THAT YOU ARE OUR SLAVES. BOW BEFORE YOUR NEW MASTERS. DEMIGODS, FACE YOUR DEATH." As the voice faded screams rang out. The two demigods glanced at each other before turning as one and sprinting from the stables. The sight that greeted them was pandemonium. Monsters had somehow gotten into the camp and demigods were already laying dead, scattered throughout the camp. Flexing her hand, Estelle's weapon appeared in her hand in sword form as she charged through the fray, Zane at her side. She pushed through the struggling bodies until she finally made it to the Big House.

She spotted Chiron standing on the porch with Mr. D and she raced over to them. "What's going on?!" She panted, looking up at the God. The being tilted his head as he looked at her, a slow smile spreading across his face. "The world has a new pecking order." He said as he waved a hand. A bolt of lightening struck the strawberry fields, killing several Satyrs. Estelle's eyes widened as she watched Mr. D turn to Chiron and reach over, ripping the centaurs head from his shoulders. Warm blood splashed over Estelle as she watched in frozen horror as the beloved teacher's headless body crumpled to the ground. Mr. D turned to her and smiled before he disappeared. Estelle numbly turned and looked out over at the camp.

All over God's were appearing and killing their children. She stood there frozen for several more moments as she witnessed Athena rip one of her daughters apart. Her hand tightened on her sword as she charged down the steps. Her wings unfurled from her back and she launched herself into the air. She flew around the camp, trying to restore order. Eventually she managed to gather the surviving demigods together at the Big House where they launched a desperate counterattack.

Phoenix flew over them, frying any monster he could get a good shot at. Estelle was riding the dragon, firing arrows down at the battle, taking out as many monsters as she could. Upon feeling a shirt in the air she glanced down to see a portal open up. Thinking it was another attack, she ordered Phoenix to stay airborne as she leaped off his back. She began to plummet towards the ground, wings tucked tight against her body. Right before impact she spread her wings and alighted onto the ground.

Weapon held out defensively in front of her, she took in the person in front of her. She was about to demand who he was when she spotted that Roman clothing. Had news reached the Roman camps about the attack? Or where they being attacked as well? Before she could really question the boy she spotted a Hellhound attempting to sneak up behind him. Without thinking she launched herself at him, looking as if she were about to tackle him but instead flew right past him and barreled into the monster.

The two tumbled before rolling to a stop. The Hellhound attempted to latch its dagger sharp teeth into her neck but with a flick of her wrist a glowing blue mace appeared in the air beside her and slammed into the beast, knocking it off her. She leaped to her feet as the Hellhound regained its bearings from the hit it took. The two circled each other. Estelle's weapon morphing from the lance form it had been in to the sword form. She was crouched slightly as she circled the monster, a feeling of familiarity washing over her. Fallen Shadows had done something similar, forcing her to fight against different creatures.

She tilted her head at the Hellhound as it growled at her before leaping at her once more, swiping out with lethal claws. Estelle whirled to the side, landing a hit to the creatures side as she danced away. She eyed the beast as she toed off her shoes, knowing they would only hinder her movements. Her hand then flashed out, sword morphing into a an identical version except she pressed a trigger and blue glowing bullets began firing at the beast. It howled as the bullets tore through its side. While it was distracted Estelle's weapon flashed back to the sword as she launched herself at the Hellhound, managing to sink her sword through its breast and into its heart. With a choked howl the beast slumped over dead.

Panting, Estelle jerked her weapon free and turned to look at the boy with glowing aquamarine eyes, the birthmark under her right eye standing out in contrast against her pale skin. Deciding that she could figure out what to do with him later, the girl turned and flung herself into battle.

After a fierce battle, the Gods finally retreated, stating that this wasn't the end before vanishing and leaving the surviving demigods to pick up what was left of the shattered pieces of their lives. All eyes turned to look up at Estelle who was standing on the front porch of the Big House. THroughout the course of the battle the others had all started acting like she was their leader. Realizing that they were looking to her for guidance she drew herself up and projected her voice over the silent crowd.

"Those with minor wounds split into two groups. Group one begin moving those with serious injuries to the healing tents. Group two begin moving our dead to the center of camp." Upon her order the demigods surged into motion. Estelle glanced back at the boy before glancing at Phoenix. Keep an eye on him for me. She said, eyes flicking back to the Roman demigod. She then turned and made her way down the steps and towards the healer tents. She entered and immediately got to work healing any wound she could. Some didn't make it but she saved as many as she could and afterwards, as she stood in front of where they had placed their fallen comrades, she swayed slightly, managing to catch herself for she pitched forward.

The demigods able to stand on their feet were gathered around the pyre of fallen demigods. Those that were not able to stand were leaning against others. It was silent as they stared at their brothers and sisters. Some where very young, no older than five or six. Estelle stepped forward and took a deep breath before her voice rang through the air, high and sweet like a bell.

Lay down
your sweet and weary head
Night is falling,
you have come to journey's end.
Sleep now,
and dream of the ones who came before.
They are calling
from across the distant shore.

Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
all of your fears will pass away,
safe in my arms
you're only sleeping.

What can you see
on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
a pale moon rises --
The ships have come to carry you home.

Dawn will turn
to silver glass
A light on the water
All souls pass.
Hope fades
into the world of night
through shadows falling
out of memory and time.

Don't say,
"We have come now to the end."
White shores are calling
you and I will meet again.
And you'll be here in my arms
Just sleeping.

What can can you see
on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
a pale moon rises --
The ships have come to carry you home.

And all will turn
to silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass
Into the west.

As she sang the rest of the Greek demigods joined in, their voices rising through the air. Phoenix stepped up beside her and with a lick of flame from his maw the pyre with their friends went up in flames. As the song faded Estelle stood there with her head bowed, silent tears streaking down her face. She had not known them for very long but they had all become something like a family to her, a thing she had never experienced before.

After a few moments the girl turned away from the pyre, wearily leaning against Phoenix. She felt drained, both emotionally and physically. Her eyes alighted on the boy from earlier and she approached him. "Who are you? Do you bring news of the Roman camps?" She asked bluntly. Normally she would be more polite but she didn't feel up to niceties at the current moment in time.

Phoenix's eyes narrowed at the human, a puff of smoke curling up from his nostrils. Like you would even taste good. Not enough meat on you anyway. The dragon shot back as he watched Estelle walk over to the male demigod, the lizard following after her in case the two-leg tried anything funny. His attention was then taken by Estelle who staggered slightly upon hearing the boys words. He quickly shot his head forward to catch her, concern radiating from his mind to hers.

Estelle, upon hearing the words Little Star, stumbled as a jolt of shock ran through her and a faint memory rose to the surface. A memory from long ago in a place that still haunts her nightmares to this day. She stared at the boy in shock as the words from that fated conversation rang in her ears.

"I'm Jason, what's your name?"

"I don't remember."

"That's okay, I'll just give you a name. How about Estelle? It means Little Star."

"Little Star?"

"Yeah, you'll be my Little Star."

As the memory faded away Estelle pushed herself away from Phoenix and took a few hesitant steps towards the boy who now stood before her, unable to believe her eyes. However, before she could react any further, a call of her name drew her attention away to see Zane walking towards her with a concerned expression. She blinked at the blood covering him and knew she faired no better. Zane stopped before, placing his hands on her small shoulders as he looked her over for wounds, sighing in relief upon seeing only scratches marring her pale skin.

Estelle herself let her eyes scan over the male that had become like a brother to her. She frowned upon seeing a gash in his side and recalled that he had been in the group to help move the dead. "You should have come to the tent to be healed." She scolded him as she reached a hand out and hovered her palm over the wound. A golden light spilled out to cover the injury and after a few minutes she pulled her hand away to reveal healed skin.

She blinked spots from her vision, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over her. She stumbled, both Phoenix and Zane rushing to catch her. She waved they attempts away as she steadied herself, stating she was fine. Zane scowled and reached out to hand her something. She looked down to see a bag of Ambrosia. She then looked back up at him. "Has it been given out to the others?" "Not yet-" "Then go hand it out. Go." She ordered firmly when he tried to argue.

He sighed, shot her an exasperated look before leaving to attend to his task. Estelle then turned back to Jason, walking over to him. As she stared up at him, she hesitantly reached a hand up to touch his cheek. "I didn't think I would ever see you again." She whispered, blinking back the tears that filled her eyes. As her eyes ran over him she noted the scratches covering him. Frowning she reached out and ran her healing hand over them.

Though it normally wouldn't take anything out of her, between the battle and healing the others earlier, she was drained. And so it wasn't rather surprising that another wave of dizziness swam over her and she sagged towards the ground as her knees gave out on her, her body having finally been pushed to the limit.

As Estelle was laid onto the bed, Phoenix curled up outside the cabin. The girl sighed and closed her eyes, feeling her dragons presence in the back of her mind. It wasn't long before he gave her a mental nudge and stated she would want to see this before enveloping her mind in his. Estelle blinked her eyes open and stared blankly up at the ceiling of the cabin as she watched through PHoenix's eyes. They watched as Jason stepped forward and started speaking to the assembled demigods. It was an impressive speech to be sure. Once he was done Estelle laid there for a few minutes.

She was tired but her body was still tense and she wasn't able to relax. She sat up with a sigh, having to steady herself as she grew light-headed for a moment. Once the dizziness had passed she pushed herself to her feet. There were things to be done and there was no time for her to resting. She exited the cabin, feeling Phoenix's displeasure in the back of her mind. Her eyes surveyed the camp, heart aching at the destruction she beheld. How did it come to this? She blinked back tears as she walked towards the medic tent to make sure no one needed healing.

There were a few people that had minor wounds but before she could heal them Zane shooed her from the tent with an order to rest. She huffed. The last thing she felt like doing was resting. So instead she went around the camp offering assistance where she could. The Mess Hall had suffered the least damage and so she went to help straighten the columns that had fallen over.

Gold threads shot from her fingers as she flew above the stones, helping lift them into the air. Phoenix then grabbed it and set it in its place, making sure it wouldn't fall over again. It was tiring work but it was worth it if it meant she was helping out and not being a nuisance. Once that was done she flew up high over the camp before landing on top of Half Blood Hill. She sighed, hair blowing behind her as she gazed down at her home.

The Gods would pay for this if it killed her. She owed that much to those that had lost their lives in the unprovoked attack the Gods had launched against them. She drifted down the hill, wandering through the battle field. The monsters had been taken care of accordingly. A sniffle distracted her and she glanced near the stables, spying a small child from the Athena cabin.

Estelle walked over and crouched next to the girl, recognizing her as Ellen. She wordlessly wrapped her arms around the child, lifting her into her lap as the girl sobbed against her chest, Estelle soothingly petting her hair. "A-Anna's g-g-gone." Ellen cried. Estelle gently wiped the tears from her face. "I'll make the Gods pay for this Ellen, I swear." Estelle whispered, running her fingers through the child's' hair as the girl continued to cry. Eventually she cried herself to sleep and Estelle sat there with the sleeping child in her lap, hand still petting her hair.

Estelle looked up upon hearing her name. She watched as Jason crouched in front of her, blue eyes studying the boy. He had grown up really well she concluded as her gaze took in the muscles that adorned his form. She blinked, a light blush spreading across her cheeks when she realized she had been staring at him. Embarrassed she shifted the girl slightly in her arms as she stood, the child cradled in her arms. "And a lot of them were too young to die. Johnny was just three years old. Ellen and Anna turned eight today. Some birthday present huh?"

Estelle smiled mirthlessly, it fading quickly as her gaze returned to the child, expression hardening. "The Gods will pay for the blood they've spilled if I have to march up to Olympus by myself and knock them from their thrones." She said, determined eyes meeting Jason's. She then turned, motioning for him to follow her with a gesture of her head.

She went to the Athena cabin first and gently laid Ellen on the bed. She nodded at an older Athena girl and exited the cabin, gently taking Jason's hand and leading to the woods. Since all the monsters that had resided there had died in the battle the forest was free of monsters. As she walked between the trees Estelle trailed her fingers against the trunks, long hair free of its braid and flowing around her.

She stopped at a tree and reached up, climbing up the tree like she did it all the time and settling herself on a low hanging branch. She glanced down at Jason as her legs swung back and forth gently. "So, what happened to you after we got separated?" She inquired.

Estelle gazed down at Jason in silence, absorbing his story. All this had happened while she had been locked away in Fallen Shadows? Wow, it was a lot to take in for sure. As she opened her mouth to give a reply she paused upon hearing a voice call out to them. Surprised, she looked down and saw a girl approaching them. This was a demi-god she had never seen before. Moros. That was the God of Doom. That must suck, having him for a parent. At least the only thing her father did was hide her away. As she opened her mouth the question the newcomer a presence made her freeze as she slowly turned and looked up.

Crimson eyes glowed down at her, set above a wide smile. Estelle’s eyes widened as her body locked. ”Loki.” The name fell from her lips like a stone and the smile widened as the boy that looked around her age bowed low. ”So nice of you to remember me Estelle. How have you faired in your new home?” Suddenly his smile turned cold as he glared down at her. ”You escaped from me my dear. That wasn’t a nice thing to do. Especially when I was so close to breaking you.”

Loki sighed and leaned against the tree as his eyes flickered to Jason and the other girl. He tilted his head as he stared at Jason. ”So this is the boy that kept you sane all those years. I expected…more..” He turned his attention back to Estelle who had remained frozen the entire time, stepping closer to the girl. As he leaned down to examine her face her body began trembling. He grinned, the smile anything but kind as he reached up to brush a hand against her cheek. A small whimper escaped her and his grin widened. ”Still having those nightmares?” He chuckled.

When she remained silent his expression hardened. ”I asked you a question Little Star.” Estelle flinched like she had been struck, almost falling off the tree branch. He chuckled again as he stood straight. ”Have you been enjoying the God’s show on the mortal world? It’s so delightful isn’t it?” He said with a laugh, eyes gleaming with an eerie glow.

Estelle finally managed to find her words. ”W-Why aren’t you going crazy like the other Gods?” Loki began laughing as if she had just told him a funny joke. ”Can’t go crazy if you were already insane in the first place. Isn’t that right Mary?” He asked the doll that had been resting on his right shoulder. Hearing an answer no one else could Loki then turned back to Estelle, taking a step closer to her. ”It’s been a treat seeing you again darling but I’m afraid I must be going. Things to do, cities to destroy. You know how it is.” He giggled as he bowed to them before promptly disappearing.

Estelle remained frozen there, hands clenching the tree branch in front of her. Her body was shaking and her eyes had a vacant expression to them, the blue contrasting vividly against her bloodless cheeks. Seeing Loki had brought back memories she would rather forget, horrors that haunt her every dream and sometimes even when she was awake.

When they reached the camp there was a rush of wind as Phoenix landed. He had been away hunting but had come speeding back upon feeling how distressed Estelle was. He gently took the girl from Jason and cradled her to his chest, mind enveloping hers. Estelle? What is it? What's wrong? He waited anxiously for an answer. The reply came, weak and fragile. Loki...

All it took was that one word and a snarl escaped Phoenix, smoke curling from his nostrils, rage filling him upon hearing that name. He knew exactly what the God had done to Estelle and just thinking about it made the dragon want to rip the insane deity limb from limb. He glanced around at the gathering demigods that wanted to know what was wrong. Knowing Estelle wouldn't want the others to see her like that, Phoenix pressed her closer to his breast and spread his wings, taking to the air.

He flew up high over the camp, hoping the feeling of the soothing wind would calm the girl. After flying for a few minutes he felt Estelle stir and he slowly released her as she spread her own wings and began drifting next to him. She then quietly filled him in on the meeting between herself and Loki, Phoenix injecting growls here and there. Once the tale was finished they drifted silently next to her.

Estelle was wrapped in her own thoughts and Phoenix knew well enough to leave her be for the moment. Estelle knew that next time she was face-to-face with the God, she couldn't freeze up. She couldn't let her fears get the better of her. She would be ready next time he decided to pay her a visit.